Issued by the Catholic Center for Studies and Media - Jordan. Editor-in-chief Fr. Rif'at Bader - موقع أبونا abouna.org
At a time when the world continues to struggle to comprehend the scale of suffering unfolding in Gaza, Jordan’s position has remained clear, consistent, and deeply human.
For Jordanians, Gaza has never been a distant political file or a passing headline, rather it lived in the conscience of the Kingdom, in its diplomacy, humanitarian action, and collective public sentiment.
Under the leadership of King Abdullah II, Jordan has repeatedly demonstrated that peace is not merely a political slogan, but a responsibility translated into action. Throughout the war, the Kingdom mobilized humanitarian corridors, field hospitals, relief convoys, and international diplomatic efforts aimed at protecting Palestinian civilians and preserving their dignity amid destruction.
Perhaps one of the most moving examples was His Majesty’s commitment to provide medical treatment for thousands of sick and wounded children from Gaza. Jordan’s humanitarian medical initiative sought to bring approximately 2,000 Gazan children to receive treatment in Jordanian hospitals, particularly those suffering from severe injuries and life-threatening illnesses.
Since the launch of the initiative, hundreds of children accompanied by their families have already arrived in the Kingdom to receive care. Jordan’s efforts have reflected not only emergency humanitarian response, but a broader moral commitment toward protecting life and preserving hope for future generations.
This humanitarian vision did not emerge in isolation. It reflects a long-standing Jordanian philosophy rooted in compassion, coexistence, and moral responsibility.
Across the Kingdom, institutions, charities, churches, universities, and civil society organizations mobilized to support Gaza. Organizations such as the Jordan Hashemite Charity Organization, Jordan Red Crescent, and Caritas Jordan collected aid, organized solidarity campaigns, and extended direct humanitarian support to Palestinian families affected by the war.
Among these efforts, the recent initiative launched by the American University of Madaba stands out as a particularly meaningful step.
The university has announced an initiative aimed at empowering students from Gaza by providing educational opportunities and academic support, reaffirming that education itself is an act of resistance against despair.
The initiative reflects an understanding that rebuilding lives does not begin only with reconstruction, but with preserving the future of young people whose dreams have been interrupted by war.
And what makes this initiative especially significant is that it comes from a Christian educational institution deeply rooted in Jordan’s values of the shared living “coexistence” and service. It is yet another reminder that Jordan’s Christian institutions have long played a central role in the Kingdom’s humanitarian and educational mission, extending their efforts far beyond religious boundaries toward a shared human responsibility.
On a personal level, this moment carries a special meaning for me.
During my years as a journalist at The Jordan Times, I closely followed the journey of the American University of Madaba since its early years, particularly around the period preceding the visit of Pope Benedict XVI to Jordan in 2009. At the time, the university was gradually shaping a distinct identity rooted in education, dialogue, and openness.
Also, among the initiatives I covered was its engagement in peace-centered forums and youth dialogue activities organized by Caritas Jordan that reflected the institution’s broader mission beyond academics alone.
Watching the university today extend its educational and humanitarian role toward students from Gaza feels like a natural continuation of that vision, a vision where education becomes a bridge for dignity, understanding, and hope even amid war and uncertainty.
In Jordan, solidarity with Gaza has never been seasonal emotion. It is woven into the national conscience. And perhaps this is what distinguishes the Kingdom’s approach most that while others debate politics, Jordan continues to protect life, dignity, and hope.